System for communication via a peripheral hub

ABSTRACT

Wireless peripherals may be used by workers to facilitate communication, data entry, data visualization, safety, and security. Typically, these peripherals must communicate with a back-end system; however, direct communication is often impossible. Instead, the peripherals must communicate through an intermediary device (i.e., a base station) to reach the back-end system. To be most effective, the back-end system must be able to adapt its communication/response to a worker&#39;s identity, location, and/or peripherals. To facilitate this, the present invention embraces a peripheral hub, worn by a worker. The peripheral hub uses information regarding the worker and/or his peripherals to generate a peripheral manifest. The peripheral hub can transmit the peripheral manifest to the back-end system via the base station, and using information from the peripheral manifest, the back-end system may communicate/respond appropriately to the worker.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/687,289 for a System for Communication via a Peripheral Hubfiled Apr. 15, 2015 (and published Oct. 20, 2016 as U.S. PatentPublication No. 2016/0306769), now U.S. Pat. No. 9,852,102. Each of theforegoing patent application, patent publication, and patent is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to communication systems and, morespecifically, to a communication system for exchanging informationbetween a worker's wireless peripherals and a back-end system.

BACKGROUND

Wireless enabled peripheral devices (i.e., peripherals) may help aworker perform various work functions. For example, these peripheralsmay be used for data-entry, data-visualization, communication, safety,and/or security. As a result, peripherals are often worn, carried, orotherwise possessed by a worker. Different workers may have differentperipheral devices, and the peripheral devices used by a particularworker may change depending on the requirements of a given task and/orlocation.

It is often desirable for a remote, or not-directly-accessed (i.e.,back-end), system to communicate/respond to a worker through theworker's peripherals, even as the worker moves about the workenvironment (e.g., moves from room-to-room). Unfortunately, directwireless communication between the back-end system and the peripheralsis often impossible.

Peripherals typically have short wireless ranges. In addition, a workenvironment may have many obstacles (e.g., walls, floors, etc.) thatlimit the communication range of the peripherals. Further, the nature ofthe communication/response from a back-end system may change as aworker's location changes (e.g., a doctor/nurse may need a particularpatient record when he/she enters a particular patient's room).

Therefore, a need exists for a device and system to facilitate aparticular communication/response from a remote back-end system based ona worker's peripherals and location.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a peripheralhub for creating and broadcasting a peripheral manifest. The peripheralhub includes a computer readable memory for storing a hub identifier(hub-ID) to identify the peripheral hub on a network. The peripheral hubalso includes a wireless receiver to receive wireless signals fromperipheral devices in proximity to the peripheral hub and to decode thewireless signals in order to obtain a peripheral identification(peripheral-ID) for each peripheral device. The peripheral hub furtherincludes a processor communicatively coupled to the computer readablememory and the wireless receiver. The processor is configured by asoftware program stored in the computer readable memory to (i) receivethe peripheral-IDs from the wireless receiver, (ii) create a peripheralmanifest including the peripheral-IDs and the hub-ID, and (iii) storethe peripheral manifest in the computer readable memory. A wirelesstransmitter communicatively coupled to the computer readable memory isalso included as part of the peripheral hub. The wireless transmitter isconfigured to read the peripheral manifest from the computer readablememory, and to broadcast the peripheral manifest wirelessly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral hub and peripheral devicesare worn, held, or otherwise possessed by a worker.

In another exemplary embodiment, the peripheral devices include a voiceheadset.

In another exemplary embodiment, the peripheral devices include ahandheld scanner.

In another exemplary embodiment, the peripheral devices include adisplay worn by a worker.

In another exemplary embodiment, the peripheral manifest created by theperipheral hub includes information to identify a worker.

In another exemplary embodiment, the peripheral manifest created by theperipheral hub includes information to facilitate network communicationwith the peripherals.

In another exemplary embodiment, the peripheral hub's wirelesstransmitter is configured to broadcast the peripheral manifestrepeatedly as a peripheral-manifest beacon.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a communication systemincluding a plurality of peripherals, a peripheral hub, a base station,and a back-end system. The plurality of peripherals is worn, held, orotherwise possessed by a worker. Each peripheral is configured totransmit a unique peripheral identifier (peripheral-ID) wirelessly tothe peripheral hub. The peripheral hub is worn, held, or otherwisepossessed by the worker, and is identified on a network by a hubidentifier (hub-ID). The peripheral hub is configured to (i) receiveperipheral-IDs from the peripherals, (ii) generate a peripheral manifestusing the peripheral-IDs and the hub-ID, and (iii) transmit theperipheral manifest wirelessly to the base station. The base station isenabled to communicate with the peripheral hub and a network. The basestation receives the peripheral manifest from the peripheral hub andtransmits information from the peripheral manifest to the back-endsystem, which is communicatively coupled to the network. The back-endsystem receives and uses this information to establish a communicationlink between itself and at least one of the peripherals via the basestation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system's peripheral hubtransmits the peripheral manifest in response to a query from the basestation.

In another exemplary embodiment, the communication system's back-endsystem is an electronic-health-record (EHR) database.

In another exemplary embodiment, a peripheral's unique peripheralidentifier (peripheral-ID) includes information to facilitatecommunication with the peripheral.

In another exemplary embodiment, the communication system's base stationis located in a room. The base station can communicate wirelessly to aperipheral hub only when the peripheral hub is in the same room. In onepossible embodiment, this room is a hospital room.

In another exemplary embodiment, the communication system's base stationis capable of wireless communication with a plurality of peripheral hubssimultaneously.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a communicationsystem. The communication system includes a plurality of peripherals, aperipheral hub, a base station, and a back-end system. The plurality ofperipherals is worn, held, or otherwise possessed by a worker, and eachperipheral is configured to transmit a unique peripheral identifier(peripheral-ID) wirelessly. The peripheral hub is worn, held, orotherwise possessed by the worker and is identified on a network by ahub identifier (hub-ID). The peripheral hub is configured to receiveperipheral-IDs from the peripherals. Using the peripheral-IDs and thehub-ID, the peripheral hub generates a peripheral manifest, which istransmitted wirelessly to the base station. The base station is capableof wireless communication with the peripheral hub and is communicativelycoupled to a network. The base station receives the peripheral manifest,obtains information from the peripheral manifest, and transmits thisinformation to the network. The back-end system is communicativelycoupled to the network and is configured to respond to a particular setof peripheral-IDs. The back-end system receives the peripheral manifest,and if the particular set of peripheral-IDs is represented in theperipheral manifest, the back-end system transmits a response to thebase station.

In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system's base stationincludes a door lock and the back-end system's transmitted response is asignal to open the door lock.

In another exemplary embodiment, the communication system's plurality ofperipherals includes a piece of equipment with wireless module attachedfor communication with the peripheral hub.

In another exemplary embodiment, the communication system's base stationwirelessly communicates with the peripheral hub only when the peripheralhub is brought within a predetermined distance from the base station.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the communication system's basestation is in a fixed location and the back-end system is in a remotelocation with respect to the peripheral hub.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplaryobjectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in whichthe same are accomplished, are further explained within the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a graphically depicts a communication system including aperipheral hub transmitting a peripheral manifest to a back-end systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1b graphically depicts a communication system including a back-endsystem's response to a received peripheral manifest according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 graphically depicts a communication system and work environmentaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 graphically depicts an object having a wireless module attachedfor communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 graphically depicts a communication system with an electronicallycontrolled door lock communicatively coupled to a base station accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces a communication system to allow a workerto interact with a back-end system. There are three primary subsystemsin the communication system. These subsystems include a back-end system,a peripheral hub, and a peripheral.

Back-end systems are typically computing systems configured for somefunction related to the workplace. For example, a back-end inventorymanagement system can direct the picking/stocking of items in awarehouse. In another example, a back-end security system can controlaccess to certain areas by electronically controlling door locks. Instill another embodiment, a back-end electronic health record (EHR)system can provide doctors with patient information. Back-end systemsare typically located remotely, and physical access is not available.Instead, access to back-end systems may be provided by base stations.

Base stations function like bridges, that communicatively couplewireless enabled devices (e.g., peripherals) to back-end systems. Basestations are typically located in fixed positions in the worker'senvironment. A base station may be identified by an electronic address(e.g., a base-station ID). Base stations are typically located in placeswhere information must be accessed or recorded (e.g., a hospital room).

Base stations may be configured to communicate with a peripheral hubonly when the peripheral hub is brought within a predetermined distancefrom the base station (e.g., within 10 meters). In this way, a pluralityof base stations may be distributed throughout a work place withoutinterfering with one another. Also in this way, one base station mayhandoff communication with a peripheral hub to another base station.Thus, a worker may remain in contact with a back-end system by movingfrom base station to base station. In addition, the base station's fixedlocation and limited range may help the back-end system locate aparticular worker/peripheral.

Base stations are typically communicatively coupled to back-end systemsvia a wired network. In addition, base stations may be communicativelycoupled to one another to improve the transition (i.e., handoff) betweenbase stations as a worker moves from one to another.

Peripherals are wireless enabled devices and may be used for dataentry/display (e.g., handheld scanner, voice headset, wrist-worndisplay, etc.), communication (e.g., smartphone, tablet, etc.), orsafety/security (e.g., hardhat, respirator, flashlight, radio, etc.). Aperipheral may be wirelessly enabled by design (e.g., a smartphone) andcapable of communication over a variety of networks using differentcommunication protocols (e.g., WIFI, BLUETOOTH, CDMA, GSM, etc.).Alternatively, a peripheral may be an object (e.g., hardhat) that wasnot originally designed for wireless communication, but that has beenenabled to communicate wirelessly via a wireless module (e.g., affixedto the object).

Workers may use different peripherals depending on their role and/orfunction. A particular worker may possess a collection of peripherals,and this collection of peripherals may change with time and/or location.It may be difficult for a base station to quickly connect andcommunicate with the collection of peripherals on an ad-hoc basis. Inaddition, the worker's identity may not be associated with thecollection of peripherals, making locating the worker difficult. As aresult, it may be difficult for a back-end system to communicate aparticular worker efficiently. By knowing the worker's identity,location, and/or peripherals, a back-end system may configure itsresponse to best suit the worker, the worker's peripherals, and/or theworker's location. Gathering and transmitting information about a workerand his peripherals is performed by a peripheral hub.

A peripheral hub is a wireless enabled device that is typically assignedto, and worn by, a particular worker (e.g., as a badge). Each peripheralhub is identified on a network by a hub identifier (hub-ID), which alsomay be used to identify the worker. The peripheral hub is configured tocreate and broadcast a message containing information about the workerand/or the worker's peripherals. This message is known as a peripheralmanifest. To accomplish this, the peripheral hub includes a computerreadable memory for storing the hub-ID.

The computer readable memory (i.e., memory) used by the peripheral hubis typically non-volatile memory. Examples of non-volatile memoryinclude ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory.

The peripheral hub also includes a wireless receiver. The wirelessreceiver is configured to receive wireless signals from peripheraldevices in proximity with the peripheral hub. The wireless signals mayuse a variety of wireless protocols (e.g., BLUETOOTH™, 802.11, ZIGBEE™,NFC™, etc.).

The peripheral hub's wireless receiver includes antenna(s), front-endcircuitry, and digitization circuits necessary to convert wirelesssignals into digital signals. The wireless receiver may also include thenecessary processing to decode the wireless signals and obtain aperipheral identification (peripheral-ID) for each peripheral device.The peripheral-IDs the peripherals may be stored in the peripheral hub'scomputer readable memory or sent directly to the processor.

The peripheral hub also includes a processor communicatively coupled tothe computer readable memory and the wireless receiver. The processormay be a microprocessor designed to execute software instructions.Examples of microprocessors include application specific integratedcircuits (ASIC) or digital signal processors (DSP), or fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGA).

The peripheral hub's processor is configured by a software programstored in the hub's computer readable memory to generate or update aperipheral manifest. When run, the software configures the processor toretrieve or receive the peripheral-IDs. Then, using the latestperipheral-IDs and the hub-ID, the software creates or updates theperipheral manifest. The processor may then store the latest peripheralmanifest in the computer readable memory or may transmit the latestperipheral manifest to a wireless transmitter.

The peripheral hub's wireless transmitter is communicatively coupled tothe computer readable memory and/or the processor. The wirelesstransmitter is configured to receive the peripheral manifest (eitherfrom the computer readable memory or from the processor directly) andbroadcast the peripheral manifest.

The peripheral manifest is a digital message that includes (i) a list ofthe peripherals currently used by a worker and (ii) a peripheralidentification (i.e., hub-ID) that identifiers the worker. Peripheralsmay communicate their presence to the peripheral hub via a variety ofprotocols (e.g., BLUETOOTH, BTLE, 802.11, ZIGBEE, NFC, etc.). Theperipheral hub may then form a communication link with the peripherals.Once linked, information regarding each peripheral is transmitted to theperipheral hub. This information may include (i) information describingthe type of peripheral and (ii) information necessary to communicatewith the peripheral (e.g., protocol, data type, routing, etc.). Theperipheral hub may update the peripheral manifest in a variety of ways,such as (i) in response to user input, (ii) automatically on a schedule,or (iii) automatically, as peripherals are added/removed from theworker's immediate environment.

The peripheral hub may broadcast the peripheral manifest repeatedly(e.g., as a beacon) or may transmit the peripheral manifest in responseto a query from a peripheral hub.

A communication system including a peripheral hub transmitting aperipheral manifest to a back-end system via a base station according isshown in FIG. 1a . Here, a collection of peripherals 6 is associatedwith a worker 1. One peripheral is a voice headset 2 configured toreceive and transmit voice commands. Another peripheral is a mobilecomputing device 3.

The peripherals are linked to a peripheral hub 4 embodied as a badgeworn by the worker 1. The peripheral hub 4 generates a peripheralmanifest 5, including information regarding the collection (i.e., set)of peripherals 6. The peripheral hub 4 transmits the latest peripheralmanifest 5 to a base station 7.

After receiving the peripheral manifest 5, the base station 7 may relaythe peripheral manifest 5 (or some subset of peripheral manifestinformation) to the back-end system 9 via a network 8. Alternatively,the base station 7 may use the peripheral manifest 5 and only signal theback-end system when a certain set of peripherals is detected.

A back-end system 9 may respond to peripheral manifest 5 information ina variety of ways. One possible response is shown in FIG. 1b . Here, theback-end system 9, after receiving the peripheral manifest 5, hasadjusted its response to communicate with the voice headset peripheral2. The back-end system 9 may have responded to the voice headset 2because this is the only peripheral for which it is has been configured.Alternatively, the back-end system 9 may have had the option ofcommunicating with a plurality of peripherals and selected the voiceheadset 2 as the preferred means of interacting with the worker 1. Ineither case, the back-end system 9 forms a communication link 10 withthe voice headset 2 via the base station 7 and transmits/receives voicemessages to/from the worker 1.

The communication system described offers enhanced mobility for a worker1 using a set of peripherals 6. FIG. 2 illustrates a worker 1 using aplurality of peripherals 6 and moving along a path 11 through aworkplace. The worker's path encounters various rooms 12 each roomproviding access to a back-end system 9 via a base station 7.

The base stations 7 in each room may be identically configured ordifferently configured, however each is communicatively coupled (e.g.,wireless or wired) to a back-end system 8 (or systems). The basestations may be directly connected to a back-end system (or systems), orthe base stations may be connected to the back-end system (or systems)indirectly via a network 8.

Base stations 7 are typically configured to communicate with multipleperipheral hubs 4 simultaneously. For example, multiple workers in aroom 12 with one base station may each interface a back-end system 9through the same peripheral hub 7.

Base stations 7 may have additional functionality provided bycommunicatively coupled subsystems and/or devices, and a back-endsystem's response to a peripheral manifest may be intended for one ormore of these subsystems and/or devices. For example, a televisionconnected to a base station 7 may be used present information intendedfor a particular worker 1 when the particular worker 1 enters the room.

A workplace may have a plurality of back-end systems, each configuredfor a different purpose (e.g., security, communication, etc.). Theback-end systems 9 may be communicatively coupled to each other in orderto exchange peripheral manifest information.

A Back-end system may adjust the type of data sent to a worker based onthe peripheral manifest information. For example, a back-end system maypage a worker using an email, text message, or phone call depending onthe worker's peripherals and/or location.

A Back-end system may use the peripheral manifest information to adjustthe way data is sent to a worker. For example, a back-end system may usethe peripheral manifest information to adjust data routing, dataprioritization, and/or data aggregation so that the data is delivered inthe most effective, time-efficient, and/or inexpensive way.

Workers may be required to carry certain peripherals in certain areas.For example, a worker may be required to wear a particular piece ofsafety equipment (e.g., hardhat, respirator, safety glasses, etc.) in aparticular area. By knowing the worker's location and the worker'speripherals, a back-end system may generate a particular response (e.g.,open a door lock) when the worker has a particular peripheral (or aparticular set of peripherals).

As previously described, peripherals may be active devices, originallydesigned for digital communication. Alternatively, peripherals may beobjects (e.g., tools, safety equipment, etc.) not originally designedfor communication but enabled to communicate via some affixed module.FIG. 3 graphically displays a hardhat 15 configured to transmit radiofrequency (RF) signals 14 using an added wireless module 13. This moduleis (at a minimum) configured communicate with both the peripheral huband with the base station.

A back-end system configured to respond a particular set of peripheralsis shown in FIG. 4. Here, the back-end system is part of asecurity/safety system and is configured to control a door lock 16communicatively coupled to the base station 7. Here the back-end systemis configured to send a signal to open the door lock only when aparticular worker is using (or has possession of) a particular piece ofsafety equipment 15. When the worker, wearing a peripheral hub 4 and ahardhat 15 (enabled for communication through a wireless module 13),comes within range of a base station 7, the peripheral manifest 5 istransmitted to the base station. The base station relays (all or partof) the peripheral manifest 5 to the back-end system 9. The back-endsystem processes the peripheral manifest and depending on the results orthe processing may (or may not) transmit a signal to open the door lock.For example, the back-end system may compare the worker (i.e., workername, worker ID number, etc.) with an approved worker list. Next, theback-end system may compare the peripherals used by the worker to a listof peripherals required for access into the closed area. If the workeris on this list and possesses all of the proper peripherals (as aminimum), then the back-end system may transmit a signal to open thedoor lock via the network and the base station.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporatesentirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patentapplication publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of theinvention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited tosuch exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes anyand all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Thefigures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawnto scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in ageneric and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A method comprising: transmitting a wireless signal by a peripheralfrom amongst a plurality of peripherals each containing a peripheralidentifier (peripheral IDs); receiving the wireless signal from theplurality of peripherals by a peripheral hub, wherein the peripheral hubis identified on a network by a Hub-ID; decoding the wireless signal atthe peripheral hub to obtain the peripheral IDs; generating at theperipheral hub, a peripheral manifest using the peripheral IDs and theHub-ID; transmitting, from the peripheral hub, the peripheral manifestwirelessly; receiving the peripheral manifest from the peripheral hub ata base station, wherein the base station is operable to communicatewirelessly with the peripheral hub and communicatively coupled to thenetwork; transmitting information obtained using the peripheral manifestto the network; receiving the information transmitted by the casestation at a back-end system, wherein the back-end system iscommunicatively coupled to the network; and establishing a communicationlink with at least one of the plurality of peripherals via the basestation.
 2. The method of claim 1, comprising transmitting theperipheral manifestation in response to a query from the base station.3. The method of claim 1, wherein the back-end system is an electronichealth record.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a particularperipheral's unique peripheral identifier (peripheral-ID) comprisesinformation to facilitate communication with the particular peripheral.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the base station is located in a roomand the base station can communicate wirelessly with the peripheral hubonly when the peripheral hub is in the same room.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein the room is a hospital room.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the base station is operable to communicate wirelessly with aplurality of peripheral hubs simultaneously.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the back-end is capable of adjusting the type of data sent tothe peripheral based on the peripheral manifest.
 9. A method,comprising: transmitting a wireless signal by a peripheral from amongsta plurality of peripherals each containing a peripheral identifier(peripheral IDs); receiving the wireless signal from the plurality ofperipherals by a peripheral hub, wherein the peripheral hub isidentified on a network by a Hub-ID; decoding the wireless signal at theperipheral hub to obtain the peripheral IDs; generating at theperipheral hub, a peripheral manifest using the peripheral IDs and theHub-ID; transmitting, from the peripheral hub, the peripheral manifestwirelessly; receiving the peripheral manifest from the peripheral hub ata base station, wherein the base station is operable to communicatewirelessly with the peripheral hub and communicatively coupled to thenetwork; transmitting information obtained using the peripheral manifestto the network; receiving the peripheral manifest transmitted by thebase station at a back-end system, wherein the back-end system iscommunicatively coupled to the network and configured to respond to aparticular set of peripheral ID; and transmitting a response to the basestation if the particular set of peripheral IDs is represented in theperipheral manifest.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the base stationcomprises a door lock and the back-end system's transmitted response isa signal to open the door lock.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein theplurality of peripherals comprises a piece of equipment having anattached wireless module for communication with the peripheral hub. 12.The method of claim 9, wherein the base station wirelessly communicateswith the peripheral hub only when the peripheral hub is brought within apredetermined distance from the base station.
 13. The method of claim 9,wherein the base station is in a fixed location and the back-end systemis in a remote location with respect to the peripheral hub.
 14. Acommunication system, comprising: a plurality of peripherals, whereineach peripheral is configured to transmit a unique peripheral identifier(peripheral ID) wirelessly; a peripheral hub worn, held, or otherwisepossessed by the worker and identified on a network by a hub identifier(hub-ID), wherein the peripheral hub is configured to: (i) receiveperipheral IDs from the plurality of peripherals, (ii) generate, usingthe peripheral IDs and the hub-ID, a peripheral manifest, and (iii)transmit the peripheral manifest wirelessly; a base station operable tocommunicate wirelessly with the peripheral hub and communicativelycoupled to a network, wherein the base station is operable to: (i)receive the peripheral manifest from the peripheral hub, and (ii)transmit information obtained using the peripheral manifest to thenetwork; and a back-end system communicatively coupled to the network,wherein the back-end system is configured to: (i) receive theinformation transmitted by the base station, and (ii) establish, usingthe received information, a communication link with at least one of theplurality of peripherals via the base station.
 15. The communicationsystem according to claim 14, wherein the peripheral hub transmits theperipheral manifest in response to a query from the base station. 16.The communication system according to claim 14, wherein the back-endsystem is an electronic-health-record (EHR) database.
 17. Thecommunication system according to claim 14, wherein a particularperipheral's unique peripheral identifier (peripheral ID) comprisesinformation to facilitate communication with the particular peripheral.18. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein the basestation is located in a room and the base station can communicatewirelessly with the peripheral hub only when the peripheral hub is inthe same room.
 19. The communication system according to claim 14,wherein the base station is capable of wireless communication with aplurality of peripheral hubs simultaneously.
 20. The communicationsystem according to claim 14, wherein the back-end is capable ofadjusting the type of data sent to the peripheral based on theinformation transmitted by the base station.